Preview — Love to Water My Soul
by Jane Kirkpatrick

Based on historical characters and events, Love to Water My Soul recounts the dramatic story of an abandoned white child rescued by Indians. Among Oregon's Paiute people, Shell Flower seeks love and a place of belonging...only to be cast away from her home. A remakable story of God's constancy and provision for all lovers of history, romance and faith...

Based on historicalBased on historical characters and events, Love to Water My Soul recounts the dramatic story of an abandoned white child rescued by Indians. Among Oregon's Paiute people, Shell Flower seeks love and a place of belonging...only to be cast away from her home. A remakable story of God's constancy and provision for all lovers of history, romance and faith...

Based on historical characters and events, Love to Water My Soul recounts the dramatic story of an abandoned white child rescued by Indians. Among Oregon's Paiute people, Shell Flower seeks love and a pace of belonging...only to be cast away from her home.

In the years that follow, she faces a new life in the world of the white man--a life filled with both attachment and loss--yet finds that God faithfully unites her with a love that fills all longing in this heartwarming sequel to Jane Kirkpatrick's award-winner, A Sweetness to the Soul....more

Community Reviews

This is a wonderful story. Based on an actual account of a small child lost from a wagon train and raised by Indians. Asiam ( as-i-am ) falls from the last wagon on a train moving west. Her cries are not heard and she is found by an Indian. Asiam does not fit into the tribe and at 14 is banished.

This is a story of survival, will and belief in a God. An interesting and eventful read.

I have read many of Jane Kirkpatrick's book and have rated them all 5 stars. However, this if probably the best one yet. From the first page to the end of the book, I was fascinated with the story of Asiam and how she endured her life after being left behind by her parents on their trip West; and about how she was found by a Indian and how she lived among them, but was not really accepted. The book tells how she felt as an outcast in Indian society and how she eventually returned to her people fI have read many of Jane Kirkpatrick's book and have rated them all 5 stars. However, this if probably the best one yet. From the first page to the end of the book, I was fascinated with the story of Asiam and how she endured her life after being left behind by her parents on their trip West; and about how she was found by a Indian and how she lived among them, but was not really accepted. The book tells how she felt as an outcast in Indian society and how she eventually returned to her people for a while. If you have never felt unwanted or unaccepted this book will give you some indication of how that feels....more

It was hard to get into the beginning of this book but well worth it as you leafed through the pages telling the story of a little girl lost from a wagon train. She was found by the Paiute Indians, dirty crying and scared. They took her home with them and let her live there for many years. It was an extremely hard life and a lonely one, she was felt an outcast, she slept with dogs for warmth and they became close friends.They gave her name of shell fJane Kirkpatrick wrote "Love to Water My Soul"

It was hard to get into the beginning of this book but well worth it as you leafed through the pages telling the story of a little girl lost from a wagon train. She was found by the Paiute Indians, dirty crying and scared. They took her home with them and let her live there for many years. It was an extremely hard life and a lonely one, she was felt an outcast, she slept with dogs for warmth and they became close friends.They gave her name of shell flower for indian name and she told them her name was AaIam. She had a vague memory of a father that was military coming home with phrases like "As you were" and she and her siblings would chant to themselves As I Am like a game. She had few memories of her family. She tried to be obedient to the indian family she now had but still had a little stubborn streak that I think kept her going when times were tough. She tried to climb rough hilly area to be high and see more when she slipped and fell and had much pain from hurting her leg. One of the indians from the tribe found her and helped her back and then she had to live with someone and have help for sometime to get healed. This is when she found a friend that became most dear overtime. Shard his brother "Stink bug" and little sister Wrenn. Shard was the oldest and even as a child she watched his comings and goings and dreamed of being important to him.Jane put lot of history about the indians and I learned from her research.Many years later the Indians were hunting antelope and believed that Shell Flower was bad for them and would keep the spirits from helping so she was told to "go far- gather and stay longer each time" when she realized they meant to sacrifice her and burn with wood she was gathering she left the area and walked many days through woods til she was found by some white folks Peter Sherar and his wife , they ran an inn for travlers to have a place to stop - then move on after resting awhile. they named her Alice M and she lived with them for years learning the white ways again and healing inside and out. It was here that she met an older man who come to care for her and they married, he was a dr of the mind and she learned from him too. Dr Thomas Crickett was a very patient man and they became very close before he died and she was left alone again. An Indian had been brought to his clinic that was very disturbed and Alice M felt she could help the old woman and sat with her many days to bring comfort and hope to open the mind again. The old woman brought comfort as she reminded her of the Indians she had learned to care for while living with them. In trying to find solutions to help this old woman she found that her friend Shard might still be alive and she went back to "The Inn and the Sherar's" to have a respite and look for answers.This time Shard found her and she was reunited with his mother that had kept her, raising her as a daughter. I was happy to see the two reunited and now living in a wood home they were happy to see Alice M-Asiam also and they sat and spoke of old times and what happened since she had departed. Many changes and yet they could still care for one another. I had hoped to see the little girl would find her parents but that was not to be and who knows maybe a future book might continue her story.If you like to read about history you will enjoy this story, the facts were from a tale from grandmother who told of little girl lost and living with Indians..Thanks Jane for weaving this wonderful story. ...more

THis was an interesting 'historical fiction'. It starts out pretty heavy emotionally. The protagonist is abandoned by her family on a wagon train headed westward and 'rescued' by an indian tribe. Her story is very pitiful and depressing, however, because this is told from her point of view as an adult whose life turns out well, she maintains an incredible uplifting, hopeful attitude throughout the telling. This is what impressed me most about the character. He ability to overcome any bitterness,THis was an interesting 'historical fiction'. It starts out pretty heavy emotionally. The protagonist is abandoned by her family on a wagon train headed westward and 'rescued' by an indian tribe. Her story is very pitiful and depressing, however, because this is told from her point of view as an adult whose life turns out well, she maintains an incredible uplifting, hopeful attitude throughout the telling. This is what impressed me most about the character. He ability to overcome any bitterness, hatred or abandonment and rejection issues she most likely had and become a loving, trusting, happy person. There were also many other very likable people in the story. I really was intrigued by The Sherar family and would like to read more about them since they are actual people from history. One aspect I felt was a little strange was our heroines emotions vary greatly from the beginning to the end. It was very heavily emotional in the beginning, but towards the second half and onward, once she is 'saved' from the indians, she seems almost to be void of emotion. her character seemed too stiff and fake to me at that point in the story. I almost thought of her as a mannequin.Seems too emotional to be enjoyed by most men....more

Strange, I just got this random book for free at a garage sale. They only had 1 book and since I just read Glamorama (a truly pathetic bit of drivel) I took it off their hands.When I got hope and looked at the author's name I recognized it as the same author of a random signed book I purchased in a tiny desert town in Oregon. This one is signed too.I gather Jane Kirkpatrick is from the Oregon desert and a real rancher. Probably tough as nails but sweet as can be. So far it's about a little whiteStrange, I just got this random book for free at a garage sale. They only had 1 book and since I just read Glamorama (a truly pathetic bit of drivel) I took it off their hands.When I got hope and looked at the author's name I recognized it as the same author of a random signed book I purchased in a tiny desert town in Oregon. This one is signed too.I gather Jane Kirkpatrick is from the Oregon desert and a real rancher. Probably tough as nails but sweet as can be. So far it's about a little white kid who gets abandoned and reluctantly adopted by an Indian tribe. She is a historical novelist so that alone makes it interesting. I think I would rather have Jane just tell me this story in person over some cowboy coffee with fresh milk and some Marionberry pie. I bet she can tell a good yarn yo!...more

This book was really good. It took me a long time to actually get into the book and enjoy the story. It's about a girl, starting from the age of three, and it continues until she gets to be an adult. The whole book is about her coming to accept herself for who she is. When she was three, her parents were heading on the Oregon Trail up to somewhere new. She got left behind and Indians found her. She was in two different tribes. A big chunk of the first half is when she is with the second half. IThis book was really good. It took me a long time to actually get into the book and enjoy the story. It's about a girl, starting from the age of three, and it continues until she gets to be an adult. The whole book is about her coming to accept herself for who she is. When she was three, her parents were heading on the Oregon Trail up to somewhere new. She got left behind and Indians found her. She was in two different tribes. A big chunk of the first half is when she is with the second half. I don't want to say too much but just know that it is a good read, after you get into it. I would recommend it to anyone. Especially someone who is wondering if they're worth anything and just feeling lonely. ...more

This little >400 page book took me longer to read than Atlas Shrugged. Therefore I don't really think I can give it a completely fair rating. It's the tale of a little white girl in Oregon getting left behind by her pioneer group and being raised by a Native American tribe. Then because of the central plot point her life changes but she always is burdened by this one thing that happened.

I had the hardest time getting into this book. There were small pockets of time when I was interested butThis little >400 page book took me longer to read than Atlas Shrugged. Therefore I don't really think I can give it a completely fair rating. It's the tale of a little white girl in Oregon getting left behind by her pioneer group and being raised by a Native American tribe. Then because of the central plot point her life changes but she always is burdened by this one thing that happened.

I had the hardest time getting into this book. There were small pockets of time when I was interested but mostly I just really struggled. I think it is a sweet book and I'm happy with the ending. One small irritation is that I think Thomas Crickett really got the short end of the stick-I didn't like how he was handled. ...more

I liked this novel. I live in Oregon and started reading it right before the ranchers occupied the Malheur Wildlife Refuge. This book takes place in that area and gives an idea of the life of Native Anericans as they were trying to live with white people pushing them out if their land. It was funny to hear the Bundy's talk about giving the land back to the rightful owners as I was reading about Paiute Indians forced out of their home and made to walk north into Washington during the winter. ManyI liked this novel. I live in Oregon and started reading it right before the ranchers occupied the Malheur Wildlife Refuge. This book takes place in that area and gives an idea of the life of Native Anericans as they were trying to live with white people pushing them out if their land. It was funny to hear the Bundy's talk about giving the land back to the rightful owners as I was reading about Paiute Indians forced out of their home and made to walk north into Washington during the winter. Many died in the process. I enjoyed how surprisingly and ironically relevant this book was to what's going on today. Also, loved the whole white girl being raised by Indians story; it reminded me a lot of books I loved as an adolescent with more adult language....more

Our book club just finished reading this story of a very young white girl rescued by Indians around 1870 after getting separated from her family traveling by wagon train in Oregon. I loved the descriptions of the characters and the way of life of the various tribes. The story is not easy to read because of the many difficulties faced by the girl, but it is very worthwhile and rewarding. The strength and wisdom of her Indian mother provided a wonderful model for her. Loved seeing her growth intoOur book club just finished reading this story of a very young white girl rescued by Indians around 1870 after getting separated from her family traveling by wagon train in Oregon. I loved the descriptions of the characters and the way of life of the various tribes. The story is not easy to read because of the many difficulties faced by the girl, but it is very worthwhile and rewarding. The strength and wisdom of her Indian mother provided a wonderful model for her. Loved seeing her growth into a strong woman of faith....more

This author is a genius in her storytelling of historical fiction. You feel like you are watching a movie in that era of time and really see how it was with the Native American Indian culture. You hear it in the mind of this kind white child who is trying so hard to fit in and belong. She is trying to get along and stay away from trouble . Its very interesting to me how she sees in her mind, amazing writing. I'm thrilled to find this author has many books. this is my first one written by this auThis author is a genius in her storytelling of historical fiction. You feel like you are watching a movie in that era of time and really see how it was with the Native American Indian culture. You hear it in the mind of this kind white child who is trying so hard to fit in and belong. She is trying to get along and stay away from trouble . Its very interesting to me how she sees in her mind, amazing writing. I'm thrilled to find this author has many books. this is my first one written by this author. ...more

"Love to Water My Soul" is a sequel to "A Sweetness to the Soul" which was very good and Outstanding Western Novel of 1995. I really liked the first book and actually thought that the second, Love To Water My Soul, was better. I enjoy the detail and depth of he characters and tale. Kirkpatrick is an excellent story teller and it is obvious that much research goes into her work. With some vague Indian ancestry in my own family these books intrigued me from the beginning. Being from the Northwest"Love to Water My Soul" is a sequel to "A Sweetness to the Soul" which was very good and Outstanding Western Novel of 1995. I really liked the first book and actually thought that the second, Love To Water My Soul, was better. I enjoy the detail and depth of he characters and tale. Kirkpatrick is an excellent story teller and it is obvious that much research goes into her work. With some vague Indian ancestry in my own family these books intrigued me from the beginning. Being from the Northwest and somewhat familiar with the where these stories took place even makes it better. ...more

Excellent book! Kirkpatrick's novels are detail-oriented and I love getting details to create a vivid picture in my imagination of the characters. The novel is about a child separated from a wagon train and being found by Indians. She struggles with a need to belong and the isolation of being an "outsider". She dreams of one day finding her family. I won't spoil it by mentioning too much more about the plot, but it caused me to think of what it means to "belong" and how God can use tough thingsExcellent book! Kirkpatrick's novels are detail-oriented and I love getting details to create a vivid picture in my imagination of the characters. The novel is about a child separated from a wagon train and being found by Indians. She struggles with a need to belong and the isolation of being an "outsider". She dreams of one day finding her family. I won't spoil it by mentioning too much more about the plot, but it caused me to think of what it means to "belong" and how God can use tough things in our lives....more

Awesome writer. Once again I was mesmerized by a Jane Kirkpatrick story. Beside the fact that I now reside close to the area where her story is set, I was totally absorbed by the historical and descriptive way this writer sets the stage and script of her characters on paper. This tale is written about the Native American Indians love of the land and their plight but is told by a white child who was found, abandoned and brought up by the native peoples. I am glad I own this book.

Absolutely beautiful, based on a true story. Love the way Jane Kirkpatrick writes about extraordinary women without glossing over their difficulties and flaws, portraying their amazing strength, and testifying to the sustaining power of the Spirit in their journeys. This is my favorite book of hers so far; perhaps my favorite book I've read so far. No spoilers...just read it! It's worth your time!

I did not care for the first book in this series. However, I liked this book quite a bit. The two books are linked in that a minor character in the first book is the main character in this book. I almost didn't read this one, because the first one (A Sweetness to the Soul) wasn't that great.

I previously read another series that Jane Kirkpatrick wrote - the Kinship and Courage series. I really liked that. There are three books in the series, and each is a continuation of the previous book.

An engaging story about a white child rescued by Indians on the Oregon Trail, based on an actual story. Shell Flower lives among the Oregon Paiute people seeking love and acceptance. This was not an easy story, but one that tells a story of the hard life the westward moving pioneers and native Americans lived.

I'm only part way through it. I find I'm reading it more to glean anthropological tidbits and geographic features, than I am for the story. The story is okay, it's just not what's really pulling me along. I'm curious about the tribes, the tribal locations, and reflecting on this fictional history as it relates places that I've been.

This book was a harder reading then I am used to. If you like a book about the 1700-1800 years this is a book for you. It has history but also a love story all in one. I am not used to reading books like this but I forced myself and ended up liking it. The ending is really good and parts of it is a tear jerker.Enjoy!!

I enjoyed this historical fiction of Oregon Trail pioneers and American Indians. She is a Pacific NW Author and does an excellent job of mixing true stories and events with her fictional stories. She explains what is real for each story.

Paiute Indians in Southern Oregon raised shell Flower after she was left behind by the wagon train her family was traveling with. The books follows Shell Flower through life as she tries to fit in with her adoptive family and then is cast away from the only family that she remembers.

This held my interst for the duration of the book. It stirred emotions and especially with regards to historical facts on the treatment of native americans. This book also made me think about way things have changed not only for Native Americans but for all groups of people. I liked the book.

I think I liked this better than the prior novel in this series. I appreciated the reliance on God that the main character came to know. It is not an LDS book, but I liked how her faith got her through difficult circumstances.

This was a great story. I especially liked the first half when she lived with the indians. Beautifully written. The characters were very descriptive. The main character, Asiam, is a great example of love, patience, forgiving, hopeful, faithful and hard working.